Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham: 'No failure!'

OVER a week ago, on the 22nd, April Jennifer Williams quoted Andy Burnham as saying 'I don't consider it a failure' as he desperately scrambles to keep his job as Greater Manchester Mayor and Police Commisioner in the Mayoral elections this comming Thursday.

In the Manchester Evening News Ms. Williams writes: 'If there is one subject generating political heat during the 2021 mayoral campaign, it is policing.'

She continues:

'Since 2017 GMP, for which the mayor has political oversight, has been on a rollercoaster. Against the backdrop of huge cuts to officer numbers and the level of crime you might expect in the second largest force in the country, the Manchester Arena atrocity occurred days after the mayor took office, with all the trauma that entailed. But GMP has also faced, and continues to face, serious questions over its leadership’s competence and culture over an extended period.'

Over the years in which Burnham has had oversight for the Greater Manchester Police the force has had a flood of failings for which he denies responsiblity. 'Not me Gov!' has been his general war cry.

In the last four years, there have been worries over the development of a computer system iOPS and its impact on officers and victims; whistleblowers have have warned of cultural failures; the damaging verdict of the public inquiry into Anthony Grainger’s shooting, which found evidence from senior officers was 'seriously misleading' and 'lacked candour'; failures to submit evidence to the early stages of the Manchester Arena inquiry in 2019; and a string of critical inspectorate reports in 2018, 2019 and twice in 2020, most of them highlighting failures to protect vulnerable people.

As we puruse this series of blunders by the GMP, we now learn of a publicity photo currently circulating in which Mr. Burnham poses promoting a notorious self-confessed election fraud in Rochdale, Councillor Faisal Rana, who has since his exposure as a multiple vote swindler has cheerfully climbed the greasy pole of Labour Party politics. Some pundits are now suggesting that this election fraud is in-line to replace the aging Tony Lloyd when he steps down as Rochdale MP. If so, it seems that Andy Pandy will be available to help out.

Meanwhile, Andy has managed to delay any disclosure of a special 'root and branch' report which is said to be 'shocking' and has it is claimed 'uncovered years of woeful failures at Greater Manchester Police'. Fortunately for Andy, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Mayor's office are at present refusing to release the report, claiming it wouldn't bebe 'appropriate' until the new chief has had chance to work out his response to it. As the new chief, Mr Watson, wont be taking on his job till the end of May it means that Andy Burnham won't have to explain what going on before this week's election.

Very convenient!

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